"To welcome Royal Princess into our fleet, we're incredibly honoured that HRH the Duchess of Cambridge will officially name the ship today, marking the start of its many journeys through the world's oceans and to fascinating shores.

"The naming of a ship is a tradition thousands of years old. The ritual marks the birth of a vessel, and asks for a blessing of good fortune and safety for the ship, its crew, and passengers.

"Perhaps the most important element of the naming tradition is the godmother selected to christen a ship. A godmother is the figurative patron of the ship through its entire life, and symbolises the spirit of the vessel.

"We can think of no more fitting godmother for our magnificent new ship. Her Royal Highness is an inspiring ambassador for Britain, and she is admired around the world for her style and grace, and for her compassion for others."

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew with the Duchess of Cambridge as she looks at an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson during a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew with the Duchess of Cambridge as she looks at an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson during a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew with the Duchess of Cambridge as she looks at an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson during a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge cuts the ribbon at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge attends a Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony to officially name the new Royal Princess cruise liner at a gala ceremony, in Southampton, England, Thursday June 13, 2013. It is expected to be her final planned solo event before the birth. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, Pool)

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge cuts the ribbon to break the bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne against the ship for the Princess Cruises naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: A bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne is readied with a bow prior to the arrival of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge for the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: A bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne is readied with a bow prior to the arrival of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge for the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge attends a Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony to officially name the new Royal Princess cruise liner at a gala ceremony, in Southampton, England, Thursday June 13, 2013. It is expected to be her final planned solo event before the birth. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, Pool)

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Cruises' CEO Alan Buckelew at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Cruises' CEO Alan Buckelew at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge attends a Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony to officially name the new Royal Princess cruise liner at a gala ceremony, in Southampton, England, Thursday June 13, 2013. It is expected to be her final planned solo event before the birth. (AP Photo/Chris Jackson, Pool)

The Duchess of Cambridge with Captain Tony Draper at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 13: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge cuts the ribbon to break the bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne against the ship for the Princess Cruises naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 9: In this handout photo provided by Royal Princess and Princess Cruises, The Royal Princess, Princess Cruises' newest ship leaves port days before a naming ceremony attended by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal on June 9, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Phill Jackson/Royal Princess & Princess Cruises via Getty Images)

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 9: In this handout photo provided by Royal Princess and Princess Cruises, The Royal Princess, Princess Cruises' newest ship leaves port days before a naming ceremony attended by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal on June 9, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Phill Jackson/Royal Princess & Princess Cruises via Getty Images)

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JUNE 9: In this handout photo provided by Royal Princess and Princess Cruises, The Royal Princess, Princess Cruises' newest ship leaves port days before a naming ceremony attended by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal on June 9, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Phill Jackson/Royal Princess & Princess Cruises via Getty Images)

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge disembarks following her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge disembarks following her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge with President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The crew looks on as the Duchess of Cambridge tours the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The crew looks on as the Duchess of Cambridge tours the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

A signed plaque for an official portrait of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge by Getty Images Royal Photographer Chris Jackson is displayed after she received a tour on board the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to crew during a tour on board the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Captain Tony Draper during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew with the Duchess of Cambridge as she looks at an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson during a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge disembarks following her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge with Captain Tony Draper during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The crew looks on as the Duchess of Cambridge tours the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The crew looks on as the Duchess of Cambridge tours the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew with the Duchess of Cambridge as she looks at an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson during a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

A signed plaque for an official portrait of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge by Getty Images Royal Photographer Chris Jackson is displayed after she received a tour on board the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The crew looks on as the Duchess of Cambridge tours the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge with Captain Tony Draper during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Captain Tony Draper during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew with the Duchess of Cambridge as she looks at an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson during a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge disembarks following her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge with President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

Captain Tony Draper watches as the Duchess of Cambridge cuts the ribbon at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge with President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton as she arrives for a ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The crew looks on as the Duchess of Cambridge tours the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Captain Tony Draper during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge on the bridge with Captain Tony Draper during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge during her tour of the Royal Princess after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

Des O'Connor arrives to watch the Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

Christopher Biggins arrives to watch the Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

Sir Bruce Forsyth arrives to watch the Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Captain Tony Draper at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Cruises' CEO Alan Buckelew at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Cruises' CEO Alan Buckelew at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Ocean Terminal in Southampton during the ceremony where she named Princess Cruises' newest ship, Royal Princess, in her capacity as the ship's Godmother.

A bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne is readied with a bow prior to the arrival of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge for the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge speaks to crew during a tour on board the Princess Cruises ship during its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Crew look on as Captain Tony Draper (2nd-L) gives Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge a tour on board the Princess Cruises ship during its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Crew look on as Captain Tony Draper (2nd-L) gives Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge a tour on board the Princess Cruises ship during its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge receives a tour on board after the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew escorts Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge as she looks at an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson during a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The ship will reportedly leave Sunday from Southampton for its maiden voyage to Barcelona, Spain. The ship will spend the summer in the Mediterranean and head to the Eastern Caribbean come fall.

The ship's poolside cabanas.

The ship has a glass-bottomed SeaWalk (seen here) that juts out 28 feet past the ship's edge.

The SkyWalk

The ship will hold 3,600 passengers.

The ship features a "piazza-style atrium", the Los Angeles Times reports.

The ship features the largest pastry shop at sea.

Kate Middleton becomes a godmother. Christenings are a big deal for royals, be they for babies or ships.Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was recently announced as the Godmother of Princess Cruises’ 3600-passenger Royal Princess cruise ship.Her duties include smashing the bottle of champagne against the hull and attending a performance by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards.